For over 85 years, the American Red Cross has offered safety courses to the community. Beginning this month, the course schedule will include: first aid, adult CPR, child and infant CPR, CPR for the professional rescuer, baby-sitter training, certified nursing assistant training and pet first aid.
First aid courses will be held on Aug. 2, 14, 23 and 29 at varied times. This course teaches the basics in first aid for emergency situations and allows the participant to become certified. The cost is about $20.
In order to learn both techniques, child and infant CPR and adult CPR can be taken together at a special price.
“The best bet is to take the two together,” Michelle Dunham, development director for the Red Cross, said. “There are specific differences between adult and child CPR techniques that should be learned.”
“You never know what kind of situation you’re going to be in where you might need the three,” Dunham said.
Individually, the courses cost $22, but together they cost $35. CPR classes begin Aug. 2 and end on Aug. 28.
On Aug. 19 and 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants will learn CPR for the professional rescuer. This course certifies each student to administer rescue breathing techniques for choking and CPR skills plus how to do two-person CPR, use an AED and how to use a Bag Valve Mask, said Chris Davis, public relations representative. CPR professional rescuer courses cost $39.
Baby sitter training courses are offered on Aug. 3 and 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These courses are specifically geared toward the 11 to 17 age group. Participants will learn how to interview for the job, select toys, prevent injuries, perform first aid, diaper and feed and handle bedtime issues. For $30, the participant will learn what parents want in a baby-sitter.
The Red Cross also offers a state-approved, 120-hour program in certified nursing assistant training. The month-long program begins on Aug. 5 with classes held on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The course covers the care of children, newborns and new mothers, pre- and post-operative patient and home health nursing.
Registration fee, which covers all materials used in the class and the testing fee, is $700 with $150 due at sign up.
A one-day only pet first aid course is offered on Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon.
“We will show you how to provide immediate, temporary care to an injured pet,” Davis said.
The instructor will be a local veterinary professional who will teach rescue breathing, CPR and first aid. This cost for this class is $20, which includes a workbook, a pet first aid guide, a T-shirt and the three hours of instruction.
All classes are held at the American Red Cross on Middlebrook Pike. It is necessary to pre-register for all courses.
For more information, call 584-2999 or visit www.knoxarc.org.
